Recently, the police busted a “buying agent” fraud syndicate, arresting one Mainland resident and two local residents. The case was transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) for investigation, with two suspects held under preventive detention and one other suspect subject to other statutory coercive measures.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Mainland suspect allegedly leveraged her background in proxy shopping and supermarket operations. Colluding with two local suspects, she simulated large-volume transactions in WeChat groups to lure victims into purchasing goods at low prices. Subsequently, the trio delayed or refused delivery and refunds, defrauding multiple victims and causing enormous financial losses.
The suspects were brought before the Criminal Preliminary Hearing Court for their first judicial interrogation. Following the hearing, the Court determined that there was strong indication of two suspects committing the crime of “fraud (considerably huge amount)” stipulated and penalized under paragraphs 1 and 4(a) of article 211, in conjunction with article 196(b) of the Penal Code. Given the considerably huge amount of losses incurred and severity of the crimes, and for preventing risks of fleeing or recommitting similar criminal activities, the Criminal Preliminary Hearing Court adopted the coercive measures proposed by the MP, ordering preventive detention of two suspects and imposition of other statutory coercive measures upon the remaining suspect.
The MP will continue to lead subsequent investigation in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code.
In recent years, all forms of scam emerge. By adopting various tactics, criminals readily exploit public trust and make them easy targets for money-losing frauds. The MP reminds the general public to remain vigilant at all times and cautiously verify authenticity and credibility of information, so as to avoid falling for scams and suffering losses. The MP commits to crack down on illegal and criminal activities harming property rights of the public. We will effectively safeguard public order of the MSAR and secure property of individual residents.